Vegetarian Pasta Casserole

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this hearty Vegetarian Pasta Casserole, an easy-to-make dish that’s packed with vibrant veggies, savory tomato sauce, and gooey layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Featuring perfectly al dente penne pasta tossed with a medley of zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and aromatic spices, this baked casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in under an hour, this vegetarian baked pasta recipe is a versatile, make-ahead meal that combines wholesome ingredients with comforting, cheesy goodness. Serve it warm, topped with fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness. Keywords: vegetarian pasta casserole, baked pasta recipe, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, vegetarian comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 300 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 200 grams mushrooms, sliced
• 500 milliliters tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

Step 5

Stir in the tomato sauce, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7

Lightly oil a casserole dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your Vegetarian Pasta Casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1755.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2475.7

Total Fat 101.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 40.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 207.1mg	0%
Sodium 5124.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 279.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.7g	0%
Total Sugars 32.5g
Protein 116.6g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 2127.2mg	0%
Iron 16.4mg	0%
Potassium 2445.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.5%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 44.8%